I post this because whenever I recommend to anyone the Queen of Night, I always recommend it in the Lucia Popp rendition. It's a matter of personal taste, but what I love about this is that it is somewhat slower than the other versions and as a result, it would seem to me somewhat more difficult to perform and sustain--those high notes in which the Queen's voice becomes the Magic Flute itself are rounded, full, and deep while remaining light and airy. I have read some rather severe criticism of this ritardando; and while it may or may not reflect Mozart's intent, it is certainly within the options for staging. It creates a real vocal showpiece from what is already a magnificent example of same. It really is an amazing example of a virtuoso composition sung by a virtuoso voice. All of which should not be taken to mean that I do not truly appreciate the version posted earlier by Diana Damrau, it's just nice to see what a difference tempo can make. I think we can take
Steven - I was a de Botton-sceptic until I went to a talk he gave to publicise his The Pleasures and Sorrows of Work. From that I came away thinking more of the man, perhaps not enough to read one of his books.
ReplyDeleteDear Anthony,
ReplyDeleteI actually like de Botton's books--I've read three or four with Proust being my favorite. I just don't know how his reputation stands in philosophical circles. Engaging prose, ideas that are interesting--makes for pleasant enough reading (as nonfiction goes).
shalom,
Steven
"I just don't know how his reputation stands in philosophical circles."
ReplyDeleteHe doesn't have ANY standing in philosophical circles. He isn't a philosopher.
Dear Mr. Mitchelmore,
ReplyDeleteThank you. I specialize in the written arts and more specifically fiction--hence I like How Proust Can Save Your Live as Philosophy light and litcrit light--just enjoyable reading. Hence my ignorance on matters philosophical.
shalom,
Steven
The writer in question is a good communicator and has many affectionate readers. Although I find his essays superficial, I recognize his ability to sell books.
ReplyDelete